Course Overview

The subject combines theoretical analysis of media, such as film, TV and digital media with practical skills in digital media, media writing and journalism, with particular focus given to 'specialist journalism', such as film, music, fashion and sports journalism.

Taught by academic staff who ​are current practitioners and researchers, this distinctive degree subject also has a strong employability focus allowing students to combine theoretical perspectives with practical vocational skills. Students will graduate with strong communication and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s employment market. These skills are reinforced by work placements.

As part of a Joint honours degree the programme is well integrated and encourages students to make connections across the curriculum. As well as a rich and varied academic focus, the course also benefits from exciting extra-curricula opportunities, including visiting media professionals and cultural excursions. Students also have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work by contributing to and regularly publishing work in a number of University and external publications.

You can combine Media with the following subjects and graduate with the following named degree:

Course Content

In addition to the specialist Media modules all students also undertake core modules. These are designed to help you develop academic and research skills required for successful study within higher education, and to help you both to explore future options for employment and to develop employability skills.​

Year One:

Introductory modules such as 'Introduction to Media Theory' and 'Getting Started in Journalism' provide students with key information and skills as well as a foundation of knowledge upon which to build.

The Media modules are:

Introduction to Media Theory

This module introduces students to key theoretical approaches to the study of media at degree level. Centred around the three core thematic areas of Media Texts, Media Institutions and Media Audiences, the module aims to promote critical reading of media texts while developing knowledge of a range of theoretical approaches taken towards media in terms of textual meaning, production and audience consumption. Students are encouraged to engage with and examine a variety of audio-visual texts to develop understanding of the important relationship culture and society has with mass media.

What our students say:

“The information was communicated in an informative and enjoyable way. It was easy to want to participate in this module. Overall I was very satisfied with the module in general.”

“I feel that this course helped me develop my knowledge of media. I liked the way that it was taught because it was in an enjoyable way.”

Getting Started in Journalism

Provides a foundation in journalistic writing, introducing students to key industry skills and techniques. We look in the first term at news writing, covering the journalistic basics of researching a story, interviewing sources, writing clearly and concisely, and structuring your story so that the essential information is highlighted. The second and third terms look at feature writing, examining how this less structured form of journalism can bring in more descriptive and narrative qualities in writing, while still requiring the fundamentals set out in news writing.

What our students say:

Students praised the hands-on approach of this module by lecturers they found to be knowledgeable about journalism. They found feedback helpful, enabling them to improve their own writing.

“Going out and doing our own interviews and research was particularly positive as it gave some insight and experience into what is required of a journalist,”

Core Modules:

Skills for Success in Higher Education (10 credits)

This module will help you develop an awareness of the essential skills required for successful academic engagement, including the skills of writing for different audiences, presenting, referencing and accessing/using online resources. You will be encouraged to develop critical self-reflection skills which will enable you to set targets for further academic development.

Developing work-based skills (10 credits)

Using lectures, e-lectures and workshops you will be introduced to the knowledge and skills required for graduate level employment, including self-employment and entrepreneurship. You will evaluate your own skills and related career intentions and investigate opportunities and challenges with respect to employability.

Year Two:

The second year of the programme develops subjects in more depth with specific modules targeting journalism, the media industry, and film and TV, while our attention to research methods prepares students for their third-year dissertation and also a student work placement.

The Media modules are:​

Culture, Media and Sports Journalism

This module builds upon the key journalistic skills and techniques developed in 'Getting Started in Journalism' in year one. The emphasis in year two is specialist journalism, with specific focus on film, music and sports journalism. The module aims to explore and analyse the role of the specialist journalist and critic/reviewer, while developing skills for the particular production requirements of culture, media and sports journalism, both in print and online. Students are required to choose a specific ‘specialism’ and write feature articles and reviews for targeted publications.

What our students say:

“I really enjoyed the module as I found the subject particularly interesting. I felt that working in editorial groups comprised of others looking into the same specialism was useful as it allowed ideas to be shared and discussed easily and effectively in order to aid my research and writing. I liked that we specialised in a field rather than broadly discussing culture, media and sport journalism, as it allowed us to adapt our work to our individual interests.”

The Moving Image

This module examines key concepts and issues surrounding the analysis of the film and television form. By investigating the range of formal choices that can be made by filmmakers, you’ll be encouraged to examine the way in which filmmakers construct meaning using a range of formal devices, critically discuss theoretical approaches to cinema and television, and engage in the critical analysis of these approaches.

What our students say:

“The lecturer made the subject interesting and it was obvious they had a lot of knowledge in the area. I found the different elements interesting to learn about, therefore making the module a positive experience.”

Media Industries

This module allows students to analyse the organisation, ownership and regulation of media industries. Students will critically engage with a range of theoretical approaches to the study of media industries and professions, and to identify and critically assess the working practices of media professionals in different contexts. The module also encourages students to reflect critically on the nature of creative work within specific media industries.

What our students say: "An interesting module taught in a dynamic and engaging way that enabled me to find a clear interest in my future career path and what I want to get out of my de​gree. The guest speakers also helped me get a better understanding of the variety of jobs within the media."

Core Modules:

Work-related placement: managing yourself and others (10 credits)

Linked to a week-long placement in a work setting, this module aims to develop key employability skills. You will develop key communication skills relevant to employment in relevant professional contexts. The placement takes place in a setting of your choice where possible, you will also have the opportunity to extend your placement by mutual agreement with providers.

An introduction to academic research (10 credits)

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of key concepts relating to academic research and the research process so that you will have the requisite knowledge to enable you to conduct the extended independent project in your final year. In addition to generic content relevant to all students, you will receive support tailored toward your chosen subject. ​

Year Three:

By year three students will have a keen sense of their own academic path, as well as a dissertation research project agreed with a dissertation supervisor. This is an opportunity for students to specialise in one area of specific interest.

The generic Media modules are:

Radical Cinema

This module explores the historical development of cinema, focusing on international film movements and exploring the relationship between the movements and the historical, cultural and social contexts. Exploring theories of film as well as film movements/styles, the module investigates the social, political and cultural context of film while critically discussing the relationship between identity and engagement within society and culture in a wider context.

What our students say:

“Interesting module with a wide range of texts.”

“The overall content of the module was extremely interesting, providing detailed teaching and learning of cinema theory and film history.”

Digital Culture and New Media

​This module allows students to explore and question current critical debates relevant to digital media. Throughout the module students are encouraged to explore how digital technologies can be used within their own creative practice, as well as investigate the impact and issues surrounding our use of digital and social media tools. For instance, how different social media platforms are impacting on digital identities and social connections, and the significant consequences across activism, politics and journalism.

What our students say:

“An interesting module, with the lecturer offering helpful feedback and one to one help.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the session and looked forward to going. I really enjoyed the interactiveness of the module and the range of platforms used within each assessment.”

Core Modules:

Independent Project (40 credits)

You will complete an independent research or enquiry-based project of a practical or theoretical nature. This will enable you to demonstrate independence in your approach to research and enhance your project planning experience. You will receive guidance and support from a supervisor. ​

Learning & Teaching

We utilise a range of teaching environments to best fit students’ learning needs. Delivery includes workshops, seminars, research seminars, lectures, virtual learning environments, away days, field trips and visits. Wherever possible, the emphasis is placed upon small group work and individual learning needs. All students are also allocated a personal tutor.

Employability & Careers

Media provides students with strong communication and analytical skills that are highly valued in today's employment market, skills which are reinforced by the opportunity for student work placements. Graduates from the course have pursued careers in a variety of industries, including: media, journalism, publishing, education, public relations, marketing and heritage. A proportion of students have also advanced to postgraduate study at either Master's or PhD level.

Many of the skills obtained as part of the programme are also useful in industries beyond those listed above. The curriculum helps to develop individuals as graduates, demonstrating the following skills and attributes:

Problem solving & analytical abilities

Inter-personal and networking skills

Global citizen (with knowledge of diversity & sustainability)

Flexibility & Adaptability (lifelong learning)

Effective Communication skills

Creative & Innovative

Digital Literacy

Reflective practice.

Read more about recent Graduate Danny Donovan and how studying BA (Hons) English and Media helped get his career off to a great start: Danny Donovan Graduate Profile​.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

For further information on entry requirements and how to apply for the joint honours programme, please refer to theJoint Honours Course Overview.